Casio Computer Co., Ltd. Announced the Release of a New Handheld PC (HPC) Called CASSIOPEIA
LAS VEGAS — November 18, 1996 — CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD., in conjunction with CASIO, INC., announced today the release of a new Handheld PC (HPC), called "CASSIOPEIA," at the Las Vegas Comdex '96 Show. The price of the standard configuration will be under $500.
The pocket-size CASSIOPEIA weighs less than a pound and features a 480 x 240-dot LCD display with a backlight, a pen touch sensitive screen, an easy-to-use keyboard, and a standard PC card expansion slot. CASSIOPEIA also features CPU, which was optimized for the Microsoft(R) Windows(R) CE platform, through joint development with Casio and Hitachi. The CPU is based on the SH-3 processor which is one of Hitachi's high performance SuperH(TM) RISC engine.
CASSIOPEIA comes built-in with Windows CE, a Windows-based operating system specially developed by Microsoft Corp. The result is a high level of data compatibility between CASSIOPEIA and Windows-based desktop computers. It also offers the same user interface as found in Windows for the desktop. The open architecture of the system helps ensure a rich supply of software applications from third-party developers.
CASSIOPEIA comes pre-installed with a number of other useful applications, including Information Manager (which is synchronized with Microsoft Schedule+ for Windows 95), Microsoft Pocket Word and Microsoft Pocket Excel — HPC versions of well-known PC software applications, such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel, a world clock, and a calculator. In addition, e-mail capabilities and Microsoft Pocket Internet Explorer, together with various ports perform powerful data communications. CASSIOPEIA comes bundled with a selection of business-oriented applications that will allow fax transmission, remote e-mail access, information service reception using a 1-way pager, wireless e-mail for use with a 2-way pager. The CASSIOPEIA will also include QV Camera Connection software and a financial calculator.
CASSIOPEIA is designed and engineered as a companion to Windows-based desktop PC's for "mobile professionals." CASSIOPEIA's portability, PC connectivity and communication capabilities, enables the user to update or edit data anywhere.
As the first manufacturer of the Digital Diary, Casio was able to draw upon years of experience in developing the next-generation mobile information hardware. In addition, the Windows CE platform and CASSIOPEIA are the result of a three-year collaboration between Casio and Microsoft, the world leader in the development of computer operating systems. Both companies plan to work closely together in further development of Windows CE and the Handheld PC.
"In today's office, everything from personal data to official documents is being stored and managed using personal computers," said Mr. Kazuo Kashio, president of Casio Computer Co., Ltd. "Next-generation mobile information devices will make it possible to freely access these resources no matter where you might happen to be. CASSIOPEIA is a revolutionary new tool that expands the range of PC-stored data to on-site applicability for worldwide usage."
"Microsoft applauds Casio's introduction of CASSIOPEIA, a new Handheld PC from a world leader in consumer electronics," said Craig Mundie, senior vice president, consumer platforms division at Microsoft. "The introduction of CASSIOPEIA, which incorporates and complements the Windows CE platform, helps pave the way for the success of the HPC category."
One of the greatest assets of the Windows CE-based unit is that it is an open platform. A number of software vendors have announced their support for this platform, which will enrich the selection of HPC versions of major PC software packages. Casio will continue to support and cooperate with these software vendors to further develop the HPC category.
Though Windows CE is a ROM-based operating system, future updating will be available through a Casio ROM Upgrade Service. This means that users will have access to the latest versions of the CASSIOPEIA software.
Software
In addition to the standard HPC software, the CASSIOPEIA also comes with six other business applications. All HPC applications provide users with a familiar operating environment similar to Windows. The HPC Explorer software when installed on the desktop PC gives you full compatibility with your CASSIOPEIA.
Standard Software
Information Manager is synchronized with the Windows 95 version of Schedule+ 7.0a or later. It provides: Contacts for telephone and address management; Calendar for schedule management; and Tasks for management of a to-do list. By simply connecting the HPC to a PC running Windows 95, the user can automatically update the information in both the HP and PC. Microsoft Pocket Word and Microsoft Pocket Excel are HPC versions of Microsoft's popular word processor and spreadsheet applications. Files can be uploaded and downloaded between a desktop PC and the HPC quickly and easily with drag-and- drop. Inbox provides e-mail capabilities, and it can be employed by users of Microsoft Exchange to transfer messages between a desktop PC and the HPC. This means users can send and receive messages by HPC through PCs. Using Inbox in combination with a card modem or a wireless 2-way pager makes it possible to send and receive e-mail messages directly over the Internet. Microsoft Pocket Internet Explorer is an Internet browser application for the HPC. In addition to the above applications, the HPC also includes a world clock, calculator, and other utilities.
bFAX(TM) (bsquare development)
Fax transmission of text and bitmap files. An optionally enhanced version lets you send formatted Microsoft Pocket Word documents as they appear, as well as digital camera images.
QV Camera Connection (Casio Computer Co., Ltd.)
The Casio QV Digital camera software can import images, add text and store images in CASSIOPEIA memory, and display images on the CASSIOPEIA screen.
SkyTel Messenger(TM) (SkyTel Corporation) Demo Version
SkyTel 2-Way(SM) Pager for wireless sending and receiving of e-mail messages over the Internet. When used in combination with the Inbox e-mail application, you can compose messages, recall pre-stored addressees, and manage your e-mail with ease.
PageCard(TM) for Windows CE (Socket Communications, Inc.)
Optional Socket Page Card allows access to the entire nationwide GTE pager network service. Receive e-mail, stock quotes, market news, and any other information anywhere.
Virtual Courier(TM) (MicroBurst, Inc.)
E-mail server software allows remote access to your office's Microsoft Mail, or Microsoft Exchange-based network, or cc:Mail(TM) network. An optional enhanced version is also available.
LandWare Financial Consultant(TM) (LandWare, Inc.)
An on-screen multi-functional calculator for financial analysis. An enhanced version, which includes a total of over 100 functions, for science, engineering, business and other applications is also available.
Hardware
The CASSIOPEIA's backlit full-screen LCD display makes it easy to read. Touch screen capabilities provide access to the Windows graphic user interface by using a stylus that comes with the unit. The CASSIOPEIA is available with either 2MB or 4MB of RAM. Built-in interfaces include RS-232C, data communication jack, PC card slot, and IrDA infrared port, for a powerful combination of connectivity, communicability, and expandability. The CASSIOPEIA can operate for up to 20 hours on 2 "AA" batteries, making it the perfect productivity tool for mobile professionals.
Specifications
Model: A-10/A-11
Display: 480 x 240 dots, FSTN LCD, 4 greyscales
CPU: SH-3
Memory:
A-10 RAM: 2M bytes
ROM: 4M bytes
A-11 RAM: 4M bytes
ROM: 4M bytes
Speaker: Sound
Interfaces: RS-232C (115.2kBPS); data communication jack, PC card slot, infrared port (IrDA Ver. 1.0 compliance)
Battery Life:
Main: Two AA-size alkaline dry cell batteries: 20 hours
Back-up: 5 years (when main battery is replaced immediately after appearance of low battery message) or one month (when unit is left without main batteries)
Dimensions:
Unfolded: 15.0H x 175.0W x 175.0D mm (5/8"H x 6 7/8"W x 3 5/8"D)
Folded: 26.5H x 175.0W x 92.0D mm (1"H x 6 7/8"W x 3 5/8"D)
Weight: 380g (13.4 oz) including batteries
Optional Accessories
UT-S11 Set: Large terminal, rechargeable battery pack, battery charger,
AC adapter
AC-S10 Set: Mini terminal, AC adapter
Casio Computer Co., Ltd., is one of the leading consumer electronics companies in the world. Since its establishment in 1957, Casio has been active in the development of electronic calculators, timepieces, musical instruments, LCD TVs, pagers and other communications devices. Casio's corporate activities are guided by the motto: "Creativity and Contribution." (www.casio.co.jp)
Casio, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan. Casio, Inc., with sales over $500-million, markets calculators, watches, business organizers, musical keyboards, audio and video products, toys, electronic cash registers, digital imaging products and other consumer electronic products. (www.casio.com for Casio, Inc. Homepage or the CASSIOPEIA Homepage at www.casiohpc.com)
CASIO and CASSIOPEIA are trademarks of CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
SuperH is a trademark of Hitachi, Ltd.
bFAX is a trademark of bsquare development. SkyTel Messenger is a trademark of SkyTel Corporation. PageCard for Windows CE is a trademark of Socket Communications, Inc. Virtual Courier is a trademark of MicroBurst, Inc. cc:Mail is a trademark of Lotus Development. LandWare Financial Consultant is a trademark of LandWare, Inc. All other marks and trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
SOURCE: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
CONTACT:
Pat Carrasco of Casio, Inc., 201-361-5400, Ext. 439, or fax, 201-361-3819;
or
Shinobu Kurahashi of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., 011-81-3-3347-4830, or fax, 011-81-3-3347-4669